University of West Florida vs. TU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL with Towson University in Towson, MD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Towson University is larger than University of West Florida based on total student enrollment (19,401 students vs. 14,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Florida is located in Pensacola, FL (Small City setting); Towson University is in Towson, MD (Small City setting).
• University of West Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Towson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of West Florida 22:1; Towson University 14:1.

University of West Florida vs. TU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Florida or TU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of West Florida than TU ($10,092 vs. $16,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Florida are 23.5% lower than at Towson University ($12,432 vs. $16,260).
• Towson University is 84.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Florida (about $5,368 more per year; $11,728.00 vs. $6,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55% higher at TU than at University of West Florida (about $10,579 more per year; $29,820.00 vs. $19,241.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of West Florida than at Towson University (85% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Towson University students is 23.2% larger than aid received by University of West Florida students ($11,820 vs. $9,595).

University of West Florida vs. TU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Florida or TU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between TU and University of West Florida.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of West Florida (1130) is 40 points higher than at TU (1090).
• Incoming University of West Florida students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at TU (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Florida 1020/1230; Towson University 950/1235.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Florida 20/27; Towson University 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Florida - Required; TU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Florida Jun 1, 2027; TU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at University of West Florida (3.6).
• TU has a higher acceptance rate (82%) than University of West Florida (58.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.1% at University of West Florida vs. 18.2% at TU.

University of West Florida vs. TU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Florida and TU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Towson University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than University of West Florida's (48%).
• Graduates from Towson University earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than University of West Florida graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Towson University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than University of West Florida graduates ($17,750 vs. $18,750).
• Among borrowers, TU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Florida graduates ($183 vs. $193).
• More TU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Florida students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 55%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.